Mayor declares Feb. 2 ‘Inclusion Day’

Event meant to mark ‘community coming together’

LANSDALE >> A major event that drew crowds to the Lansdale Public Library last month will now be marked next year, and every year after.

Mayor Garry Herbert presented a proclamation Wednesday night declaring Feb. 2 will be known from now on as the borough’s Inclusion Day.

“About a month ago, I was contacted by a large group of people through a petition, that really felt that the events that took place on February 2nd really highlighted the quality of our town,” said Herbert.

On Feb. 2, large crowds turned out to both protest and support Eric Torres, a Lansdale native, as he read to children in character as drag queen ‘Annie Christ’ as part of “Miss Annie’s Story Time” at the library. Those who supported him and the reading were asked to bring food to donate to local nonprofit pantry Manna on Main Street, and the online petition says over 1,600 pounds of food were donated and calls for an annual commemoration to “celebrate the love, acceptance, and charity our little town displayed.”

After discussions with that group and its leaders, Herbert said, they “landed on the idea that it should be a day that is remembered for the community coming together, despite differences, and

doing something good.”

“Even though there were people on both sides of the argument, what happened at the library, whether you

liked it or not, the fact is the town did come together, had a great donation event to Manna on Main Street, and a group of people wanted to commemorate that, and have this be something that lives on,” Herbert said.

At the start of council’s March 20 meeting, Herbert presented Torres with a proclamation, and cited recent efforts and initiatives like the creation of a borough human relations commission last summer to adjudicate claims of discrimination, and talks on hosting a mobile display of LGBT history at borough hall, as signs of progress.

“Whereas, the Borough of Lansdale celebrates our diversity and acceptance of

all people, and their contributions to our community. And whereas, inclusion is an important part of our growth as a society, to ensure that Lansdale and all of our residents continue to prosper,” Herbert read from the resolution.

“Whereas, Lansdale dedicates itself to building bridges with communities of all faiths, beliefs, economics, and orientations, and whereas Lansdale proudly celebrates our critical role in helping expand acceptance and diversity among all people in our community,” he said.

As he finished reading the proclamation and handed it to Torres, dozens of friends and community members broke out in

a round of applause.

“I, Garry Herbert, Mayor of Lansdale Borough, do hereby proclaim February 2nd, 2020, and every February 2nd henceforth, to be, in our borough, ‘Lansdale Inclusion Day,’’ he said.

Herbert said it’s too early for any specifics for next year, but he hopes that tradition will now continue.

“Next February 2nd, I hope you all show up with as much food as you can possibly bring, to support Manna on Main Street, and to support our town,” he said.

“It’s about everyone, and us coming together as a community, and having a great day, just for us to be us,” he said.